This Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe captures the essence of summer, offering a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled dishes like chicken, pork ribs, and fish. Whether canned or frozen, it’s an easy way to preserve seasonal fruit.
Inspired by a Food Network recipe, it adds a unique twist to your BBQ with its delightful balance of apricot and smoky flavors.
This was my second time making it apricot BBQ sauce, and I first tried it when I visited a friend’s house. They served it with grilled chicken, and I loved it so much, I knew I had to make it myself!
I confirmed I would make it just a week ago, excited to try it out again. This time, my sister and I worked together in the kitchen, each adding our own touch to the recipe.
Once it was ready, we served it with ribs, and my family devoured it. The sauce was perfectly sweet, tangy, and smoky, a real hit with everyone!
How To Prepare Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Course: Condiment / Sauce
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: Approx. 70 calories per 2-tablespoon serving
- Yield: About 2 cups of BBQ sauce
Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Jar or container for storing the sauce (if canning or refrigerating)
Ingredients
- 1 cup apricot jam or preserves (preferably no sugar added)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp chili powder
Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the apricot jam, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, honey (if using), ketchup, brown sugar, kosher salt, and chili powder.
2. Simmer the Sauce:
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until it is well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved completely.
3. Cook the Sauce:
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and thicken the sauce.
4. Adjust Consistency & Taste:
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or more vinegar to reach your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, honey, or cayenne as needed.
5. Cool & Store:
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have blended, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature. Store the sauce in an airtight container or jar. You can can it for long-term storage or refrigerate it for up to two weeks.
Note:
This apricot BBQ sauce recipe can be easily stored in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to make a larger batch, feel free to double the recipe.
It’s a versatile sauce that can be used in many ways, from marinating meats to adding a finishing touch to your grilled dishes.
Best Serving Ideas
This apricot BBQ sauce recipe is perfect for glazing grilled chicken, ribs, or pork chops, adding a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the char from the grill.
It’s also great as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or even grilled vegetables. For a fun twist, try it as a topping on burgers or sandwiches, or drizzle it over roasted potatoes.
Its balance of sweetness and tang makes it versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes, whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just looking to spice up a weeknight dinner.
Tips For Perfecting Your Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe
1. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preferences, you can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by using more or less apricot preserves or honey. Experiment with different levels to get it just right.
2. Heat Level: The cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat, but if you love spicy flavors, feel free to increase the amount. Alternatively, you can add some chili flakes or hot sauce to give it more of a kick.
3. Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. For a thinner consistency, simply add a small amount of water or more vinegar.
4. Perfect Pairings: This Apricot BBQ Sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork chops, ribs, or even grilled vegetables. It also makes a great dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or chicken nuggets.
Health Benefits
Apricot BBQ sauce recipe not only adds delicious flavor to your meals but also offers several health benefits. Apricots are packed with vitamins A and C, which support healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
They are also rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and promote overall well-being.
Additionally, using natural ingredients like honey and apple cider vinegar provides added benefits, such as aiding digestion and offering anti-inflammatory properties.
So, you can indulge in this tasty sauce while enjoying some nutritional perks!
How To Store Apricot BBQ Sauce
To store apricot BBQ sauce recipe, simply let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
If you’ve made a larger batch and want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Just be sure to label it with the date so you can keep track! Before using after storage, give it a quick stir, as the ingredients may settle over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apricots instead of apricot jam?
Yes, you can use fresh apricots! Simply peel, pit, and chop the apricots before cooking them down into a puree with a little sugar or honey to mimic the sweetness of jam. You may need to adjust the cooking time to achieve the right thickness.
How spicy is this Apricot BBQ Sauce?
The level of spiciness in this sauce is mild, with the option to adjust based on your preference. If you enjoy more heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.
How long can I store Apricot BBQ Sauce?
You can store this sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
Can I make this Apricot BBQ Sauce gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free without compromising flavor.
What dishes can I use Apricot BBQ Sauce with?
Apricot BBQ Sauce is incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats like chicken, pork, and ribs, but it also works great with grilled vegetables, burgers, and even as a dipping sauce for fries and onion rings.
Conclusion
If you’re tired of the same old BBQ sauces and looking for something new and exciting, this Apricot BBQ Sauce recipe is the perfect solution.
With its balance of sweetness, tang, and smoky depth, it’s an ideal accompaniment to a variety of grilled dishes. Plus, apricot BBQ sauce recipe quick to prepare and customizable to suit your tastes!
So, fire up the grill, get your apron on, and try this delicious homemade apricot BBQ sauce recipe at your next BBQ. Your guests will be asking for the recipe!
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Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Jar or container for storing the sauce (if canning or refrigerating)
Ingredients
- 1 cup apricot jam or preserves preferably no sugar added
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp honey optional for extra sweetness
- 1 cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp chili powder
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the apricot jam, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, honey (if using), ketchup, brown sugar, kosher salt, and chili powder.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until it is well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved completely.
Cook the Sauce:
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and thicken the sauce.
Adjust Consistency & Taste:
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or more vinegar to reach your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, honey, or cayenne as needed.
Cool & Store:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have blended, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature. Store the sauce in an airtight container or jar. You can can it for long-term storage or refrigerate it for up to two weeks.